Liposome Technology Inc. said Friday that an initial analysis ofDoxil showed the liposomal drug performed better than a standardthree-drug chemotherapy regimen against Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDSpatients.LTI, of Menlo Park, Calif., also said more patients in the Phase IIItrial completed treatment with Doxil than with the Adriamycin,Bleomycin, Vincristine combination therapy. But the company wasn'tsaying much else."We're not discussing any of the particular numbers," TonyGoosmann, LTI's director or marketing, told BioWorld. "We'relooking for the next available scientific form to present the data." Headded, however, that the numbers were "statistically significant."The trial was evaluating Doxil (also called DOX-SL) as a first-linetreatment for Kaposi's sarcoma. The FDA's Oncologic DrugsAdvisory Committee voted Feb. 14 to recommend approval of thedrug, on an conditional "accelerated approval" basis, for treatment ofKaposi's sarcoma patients who failed first-line chemotherapy.Panel members were concerned about the way the trial wasconducted, and about the clinical benefit of the drug. Goosmann saidLTI is finalizing its Phase IV commitments and tying up other looseends while awaiting word from the FDA.LTI already has filed for approval of the drug in Europe as a first-linetreatment for Kaposi's sarcoma. An ongoing Phase III trial in Europeis comparing Doxil to a two-drug chemotherapy regimen, for first-line Kaposi's sarcoma treatment. Kaposi's sarcoma is a commonlydiagnosed condition in those with HIV and is characterized bypainful and disfiguring lesions.Doxil is a liposomal formulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride, awidely used anticancer drug. The technology enables liposomes,coated with polyethylene glycol, to elude the body's immune systemand remain in circulation longer. The drug also is being tested againstsolid tumors in a variety of trials.LTI's stock (NASDAQ:LTIZ) closed Friday at $7.38 per share, up50 cents. _ Jim Shrine

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